The weather is comfortable, the contractors are available, the shops are not crowded and prices are going down.
Winter is the time for renovations
Winter renovation can save up to 20%
Photography:
envato elements
Produced by the Department of Special Supplements
The approaching winter may seem particularly challenging, but as such it also contains alternatives for many households that are building on declining demand in the various industries.
One of them is the renovation industry.
As it seems at the moment, it is not inconceivable that contractors and suppliers will be less burdened, renovation costs will go down, the renovation period may be shortened, home design brands will offer discounts and benefits and moving companies will be available.
So for whom a winter renovation in the shade of the corona cloud is indeed suitable, and in which cases it is better to postpone the pleasure?
Autumn is already here.
Soon winter time will come into effect, the sky will become gloomy and we all hope that like last year this too will be characterized by an abundance of blessing rains.
However, the winter of 20/21 will be completely different from its predecessors, with in the background the fear of a particularly high morbidity and another closure (which we will not know) increasing.
One of the big disappears at this point is how the renovation and construction industry will be affected by all of these.
Will those who planned to upgrade their home be able to understand that despite the background noises around, this coming winter they will be able to save quite a bit of money and time and win a quality and meticulous final product?
According to developer and renovation contractor Guy Aharonovitch, "During the peak periods and especially last summer, many contractors moved from one project to another. Although the best ones kept to the schedules, there was still a load and constraints.
"In the winter season there are fewer projects anyway, so there is a reasonable chance that the staff will invest the whole in the project and thus the work will be shortened. The weather definitely affects the speed and efficiency of the renovation.
"However, keep in mind that the drying efficiency of certain materials is better in summer. In construction there is an advantage to fast drying. The elements the team works on should be impervious to moisture and fluidity, which is one of the reasons why it is important to use the services of experienced contractors. "In materials that are suitable for work in the winter season. There are materials that the cold actually favors, for example the glue used to glue ceramic tiles on drywall dries better in winter and provides better fusion of the materials."
Comfortable working conditions
Interior designer Keren Gens joins Aharonovitch: "Most homeowners prefer to renovate in the summer, which makes winter renovation an advantage in many ways. In winter contractors and other professionals are more available. This season is lower than the summer months and more bargaining is possible.
"This can also shorten the duration of the renovation, as most contractors work on several projects at the same time and take a maneuvering range. In winter there is a chance that the time estimate will be shortened. Meanwhile, winter work is done more efficiently. "In addition, there are discounts in the various showrooms - on finishes, air conditioners, kitchens and home furniture details. The showrooms are less crowded and make the buying process more efficient and pleasant."
Aharonovitch explains that the winter season is especially suitable for small-to-medium-sized renovations, but adds that even when it comes to small and spotty renovations, it is important to understand what you are facing and follow basic rules that will facilitate the significant move.
"Before embarking on financial expenses, it is important to define exactly what the scope of the renovation is and what the budget is available to us," he explains.
"Does it refer to point areas, such as children's rooms or guest toilets, or are we on the verge of a mega renovation that will redefine the division of the house, require hiring the services of an architect or interior designer and sometimes even require occupants to vacate for a period to allow work to be done .
"Only after defining the scope of the renovation can we move on to the operational stages and understand whether you can actually finish it within the schedules, or it may be better to wait until next winter. It is important to take into account that renovations are not done moment by moment."
"It is important to take a period of months in which the preliminary stages of planning, technical specifications and bills of lading, signing an agreement with the contractor or subcontractors are carried out. When it comes to cosmetic renovation, it is worth taking a two-month coefficient, and when it comes to more massive renovations it is 3 to 5 months."
When summarizing the expected costs and weighting the data, it turns out that a winter renovation can save up to 20% of the costs.
In the coming months, prices may fall even further.
Keep in mind that winter is the time when year-end specials are held in stores and showrooms, so the details of the furniture and accessories can be obtained at the most attractive prices.
Add to that the costs of the contractor and suppliers, which are lower in advance than in the summer, and this is exactly the time to bargain with them over the price.
The congestion in chains and stores selling envelope products such as cladding, flooring or paint is also decreasing, so the service you will receive will be the best.
Since there are many items ordered at the same time point, some from abroad, it should be taken into account that the delivery time may range from 3 to 6 weeks. If the products are in stock it can take between a week and 10 days until they are actually delivered to the site itself. These purchases at the right timing, so that they reach the site on time.
Prepare your home for the winter
"The rain creates a challenge for the home infrastructure. With an investment of 10 minutes, damage of thousands of shekels can be prevented," says Eran Sib, chairman of the Association of Renovation Contractors.
Fiber tips for preparing your home for the winter:
Roofs
: In places that have not been properly plastered or there are cracks in the concrete, a leak may form into the apartment below.
Windows
: Check that the water outlet openings in the interior windows are free of factors that can block the passages and cause water to leak into the house.
Gutters
: Make sure that the gutter openings are free of dirt or objects that will interfere with the flow of water.
Reinforcement
: Well anchor systems such as solar water heaters, antennas and collectors placed on roofs.
Electric boiler
: This is usually a system that has not been used during the summer, so turn it on and make sure it is working properly.
Pruning
:
Pruning
loose trees and branches near electrical cabinets or cables.
Produced by the Department of Special Supplements
